Does it seem that your dog never takes a break? Is it always running around or asking you to go out? Or, maybe it’s making a mess at home jumping from one spot to another within a few moments?
No, your dog isn’t bad-behaved, it’s just lively. The lack of physical activity and games makes them feel bored, which is why they always do something around the house.
If you have tried the classic walk or off-leash playing in the garden (park), but just don’t know how to tire your energetic dog, here are 5 tips and tricks to do it.
Tips and Tricks for Tiring Your Over-Active Dog
- Play Games That Require a Lot of Physical Activity
Games are always fun but not as often tiring as you’d want. A “Treasure Hunt” or “Bring Me the Toy” don’t require much running. So, let’s just forget them when it comes to tiring your dog.
Instead of playing these move-at-your-pace games, play games that require running. One of the best run-around games is “Fetch”. Another demanding game you can play is “Hide and Seek”. Although it doesn’t require a lot of running, it will tire your dog as it makes them constantly move around while looking for the hidden item.
- Challenge Them with Puzzle Activities
Running isn’t the only way to tire your over-active dog. Challenging their brain also tires them mentally. When feeling mentally tired, your dog won’t think of anything else but a long rest.
Some of the puzzle activities your dog can enjoy are puzzle toys, treat dispenser toys, and snuffle mats.
- Give Them Something to Chew or Lick
Dogs adore chewing and licking things, so use this passion to tire them. Give your dog chewables, like our yak chews, bones, and bully sticks. You can also give them frozen food like peanut butter, mashed bananas, and canned pet food.
They will spend around half an hour enjoying these treats. At the same time, they will get tired of all that licking, chewing, and playing with these treats.
- Teach Your Dog to Do the Stairs
Here’s a fun activity you can do indoors, regardless if you live in a house or an apartment. All you need are stairs and treats.
“Doing the Stairs” involves teaching your dog to go up and down the stairs, one stair at a time. You start at the bottom of the stairs, placing a treat at the bottom stair. Then, you place a treat on the second step, then the third, fourth, and so on. Then, you repeat this but this time going from the highest to the bottom stair. At the end of the training, your dog will be able to go up and down the stairs with no problem.
- Go Cycling Together
Cycling on or off the leash is a great activity for tiring your dog. However, you need to start slowly, going shorter distances, and increase the distance the next time you go cycling. Also, make sure you don’t cycle too fast as your pet won’t be able to keep up with you. Even worse, they will have to run too fast, which will injure their ankles and muscles.